Visavie: Understanding
your needs in order to
choose the right
senior housing

Ask the right questions and choose the right senior housing facility

When a person moves, they often become disoriented due to the change in environment. In order to limit the risk of error when choosing senior housing, you have to ask yourself the right questions.

For nearly 30 years, Visavie has assisted approximately 150,000 families across Quebec and Ontario. We have established a research methodology used by our senior housing counsellors, based on a set of questions.

Take the time to learn more about these criteria, answer the questions and contact one of our counsellors who will accompany you, from the initial call until the transition to the senior housing residence.

Physical and psychological health:

Choosing the type of senior housing facility often depends on your physical/psychological condition and degree of autonomy:

Are you in full possession of your physical and psychological capabilities?

Do you require assistance, no matter how little, to perform daily activities?

Depending on your answers, our counsellors will direct you to senior housing for autonomous persons, semi-autonomous clients or those with diminishing autonomy, all having tailored levels of service and support.

Senior housing residence location and setting:

Would you like to live in the same region to be close to your loved ones, or would you prefer to set out on an adventure and discover a new environment?

Would you prefer to live in the neighbourhood you grew up in?

Are you thinking about moving closer to a loved one or family?

Would you prefer to live in the city or the country?

You can avoid making the wrong choice by speaking with a counsellor who will provide useful information on your search by asking the right questions, and by accompanying you in your search for senior housing.

Setting up your living space:

Your personal comfort or that of a loved one is essential. Feeling good in a new environment will contribute to your development. Some of the questions you may ask before choosing senior housing may include:

Would you like to live in a high-rise, residential complex or family residence?

Are you looking for a furnished unit, or do you want to bring your own furniture?

Are you looking for a modern or more traditional style of housing?

Is the residence equipped with an adjustable heating and air conditioning system?

Don’t run the risk of moving into a residence where you will not be comfortable. Our counsellors will accompany you during your visits and help you to compare the different senior housing options.

Safety equipment:

What level of safety are you looking for? Again, according to your needs, residences can offer various systems that allow you to feel secure:

Do you feel the need for a full-time guard day and night?

Does an electronic surveillance or camera system reassure you?

Do you require an intercom or emergency paging system?

Senior housing facilities offer different types of security services. Let one of our counsellors assist you with your search and ensure you have the security you require.

Services and activities:

The services and activities offered by senior housing residences are essential criteria to measure the welfare of seniors. In fact, a residence with many activity and service options will allow you to develop and build friendly relationships with other residents. A few questions to ask include:

What types of meals does the residence offer? Is it possible to choose the menu, or are menu items rotated?

Are indoor and outdoor activities available? Are activity coordinators in charge of organizing events and leisure activities in the residence?

What equipment and infrastructures are available for seniors? Are they always accessible?

Don’t risk making a mistake, let a Visavie counsellor help you find the right senior housing residence. Our service is free of charge and commitment. And we are available 24/7 to assist you.